Month of Thanksgiving - Day 30

啟示錄 11:15-18
15 第七位天使吹號，天上就有大聲音說：「世上的國成了我主和主基督的國，他要做王，直到永永遠遠。」 16 在神面前、坐在自己位上的二十四位長老就面伏於地，敬拜神， 17 說：「昔在、今在的主神，全能者啊！我們感謝你，因你執掌大權做王了。 18 外邦發怒，你的憤怒也臨到了！審判死人的時候也到了！你的僕人眾先知和眾聖徒，凡敬畏你名的人，連大帶小得賞賜的時候也到了！你敗壞那些敗壞世界之人的時候也就到了！」

年老的約翰在異象中看見，有一天，當耶穌基督再來的時候，世上的國成了我主和主基督的國，祂要做王，直到永永遠遠。祂不僅僅要在基督台前來賞賜每一個敬畏祂名的人，也要在白色大寶座的前面來審判每一個抵擋祂的人。為著這一個榮耀的結局，天上有感謝和讚美的聲音！

當我們真看到這個世界的結局和我們榮耀的前途的時候，我們都應該把所有的感謝都歸給這位昔在、今在的主神，全能者！也讓我們在今天每一個的環境中都歡歡喜喜盼望 神的榮耀！

Day 30
Revelation 11:15-18
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Aged John saw in vision that one day Jesus Christ would come again, and by then the kingdoms of this world would become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. Not only will He reward everyone who reveres God's name before the judgement seat of Christ, but also He will judge those who deny Him before the great white throne. Sounds of praises and thanks will be to the Lord in heaven for this glorious ending!

When our eyes are truly open to see the end of this world and our glorious future in heaven, we cannot help giving all thanks to our almighty God who was and is and is to come! May we all rejoice in hope of the glory of God today!

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 29

啟示錄 7:9-12

9 此後我觀看，見有許多的人，沒有人能數過來，是從各國、各族、各民、各方來的，站在寶座和羔羊面前，身穿白衣，手拿棕樹枝， 10 大聲喊著說：「願救恩歸於坐在寶座上我們的神，也歸於羔羊！」 11 眾天使都站在寶座和眾長老並四活物的周圍，在寶座前面伏於地，敬拜神， 12 說：「阿們！頌讚、榮耀、智慧、感謝、尊貴、權柄、大力都歸於我們的神，直到永永遠遠！阿們。」

感謝主，有一天我們會在天上看見一個超越種族、語言、身份、背景的最大敬拜聚會，這些由『各國，各族各民，各方』而來身穿白衣的聖徒，都是羔羊用自己的血所買贖回來的，他們與眾天使和廿四位長老一起， 盡情地敬拜 神。想到我們每個人都要身在其中，何等的榮耀，讓我們把一切頌讚與感恩都歸給那買贖我們的救主。

神的心意是願萬人得救，不願一人沉淪。也盼望我們的教會是個傳福音與宣教的教會，不單只是成為華人的祝福，也努力成為一個跨越種族的教會，可以在地預嘗天上敬拜的滋味。

Day 29

Revelation 7:9-12

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Thanks be to the Lord! One day we will join in heaven the greatest worship with people of all nations, languages, and backgrounds. Those who are "of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues", clothed with white robes, are redeemed by the Holy Lamb. Together with all the angels and the 24 elders, they cry out to worship God. Thinking of the glorious worship awaiting us in heaven, let's give all our praises and thanks to the Savior who bought us with His precious blood today.

The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. How I wish that our church can be a church of mission to evangelize to not only Chinese but all nations, so that we can pre-taste the beauty of worshipping with saints across nations in heaven.

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 28

但以理書 6:10

10 但以理知道這禁令蓋了玉璽，就到自己家裡（他樓上的窗戶開向耶路撒冷），一日三次雙膝跪在他神面前禱告感謝，與素常一樣。

但以理所处的环境与今天你我的环境非常的类似，我們都非常的艱難，有很多的試探，很多的妥協，容易被同化、我們也常常落在被擄的情形裡面。但他却出淤泥而不染，刚强壮胆为主做见证。这个人怎么可以在他所处的世代站立得住，我想他得力的秘诀之一就在今天的这节经文，“稳行在高处”的禱告與感恩生活。

稳定的感恩生活—“與素常一样”。弟兄姐妹，这个不容易，一时的感恩还可以，偶尔的感恩也不难，但是与素常一样，持续性的一日三次實在不易、更何况是在要丟性命的環境裡還感恩。我們的感恩是隨著環境起伏呢，還是與素常一樣？

行动的感恩生活—“双膝跪在”。讲到了感恩需要有行动，感恩不单是一个心愿、心态而已、也是一个行动，這是對神恩典產生的一个敬拜的回應、爱的行动，它要帶出時間，金錢，才幹和一切的奉獻。當我們的生命裡面都充滿了感恩的時候，我們便要愛神過於一切了。

高处的感恩生活—“在他神面前”。我们常常无法感恩，忘记感恩、感恩的力不从心，都源于我们和神之間的關係出現了問題，忘記了我們每一天都生活在祂的恩典之下，每一個的遭遇都被放在祂的天秤上、顯出我們真實的光景。

短短一节经文却蕴藏了这么深的功夫，我實在差太遠了。弟兄姊妹們，起來，不要讓這個感恩月就這麼過去，讓這次感恩的操練成為我們日後生命的祝福。


Daniel 6:10
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

The situation Daniel was in is very similar with what you and I are facing today - many difficulties, numerous temptations. If not paying attention, we can easily compromise to follow the ways of this world and find ourselves in captivity. Daniel, however, stood firm and purely for the Lord despite of all the challenges he had. As I ponder on how he made to live such a victory life in his time, I find his secret in today's verse - a life of "walk-on-high-hills" prayers and thanksgiving.

a) stable thanksgiving life: "as was his custom since early days". Brothers and sisters, to constantly give thanks to God is not an easy thing. We can all be grateful in one time, or occasionally, but what about 3 times a day as our custom? What about 3 times in days when our lives can be taken anytime? Does our gratitude to God go up and down with how our days go or it can remain unchanged no matter how good/bad our external situations are?

b) a thanksgiving life of actions: "he knelt down on his knees". True gratitude comes with actions - it is not only a wish or mentality. Time, wealth, talents, or any kind of offerings are a natural result of our gratitude in love and worship for God's grace. We will love God more than anything when we are truly filled with gratitude.

c) a thanksgiving life in high place: "gave thanks before His God". We will find it very hard to give thanks or forget thanksgiving when our relationship with God goes wrong. We will forget that we live in His grace every single day and that He has measured all the things we go through.

This short verse reflects a such deep relationship between Daniel and God, which I long to have. Brothers and sisters, let's all rise up and practise thanksgiving. Don't just let this thanksgiving month go pass without our growth. May our practice of thanksgiving be a huge blessing in our days to come.

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 27

啟示錄 21:1-5

21 我又看見一個新天新地，因為先前的天地已經過去了，海也不再有了。 2 我又看見聖城新耶路撒冷由神那裡從天而降，預備好了，就如新婦裝飾整齊等候丈夫。3 我聽見有大聲音從寶座出來說：「看哪，神的帳幕在人間！他要與人同住，他們要做他的子民，神要親自與他們同在，做他們的神。 4 神要擦去他們一切的眼淚，不再有死亡，也不再有悲哀、哭號、疼痛，因為以前的事都過去了。」 5 坐寶座的說：「看哪，我將一切都更新了！」又說：「你要寫上，因這些話是可信的，是真實的。」

“新天新地”和“天堂”大約在聖經裏提到了五百次，可見這是基督信仰的重要部分，它讓我們看見了神祂那永遠的愛，為此我們向神獻上感謝。

雖然今天我們的生活可能有難處，常常使我們腿發酸，手下垂。甚至聖經告訴我們在末日民要攻打民，國要攻打國，地要大大震動，多處有饑荒，瘟疫，並且人要起來逼迫基督徒。但是感謝耶穌，祂為我們死，為我們活，並且預備了地方，不久我們便到更美的天城，永遠與祂同住。在那裡沒眼淚，悲哀，哭號，疼痛和死亡！這是何等大的恩典。

啟示錄“新天新地”的信息已經安慰了當時落在極大難處的聖徒，盼望今天它也安慰著我們中間的每一個人。讓我們一同歡呼，在感恩和讚美中預備自己，等候新耶路撒冷。

Revelation 21:1-5

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

"New heaven and new earth" and "heaven" are mentioned in the Bible for about 500 times. As is seen, heaven is an essential part of Christian faith, and the fact that the Lord has prepared a new heaven and a new earth for us reveals His everlasting love for us which we should all be grateful for.

Indeed, the difficulties we face in life can make our arms feeble and knees weak. Moreover, the Bible clearly tells us that in the last days nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes; and people shall rise against Christians for persecution. But thanks be to Jesus: not only did He die and resurrect for us, but also He prepares the new heaven for us to arrive and stay with Him forever. In the new heaven there shall be no more tears, nor death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. How great is His grace!

The message of "new heaven and new earth" have greatly comforted the saints who suffered from great difficulties at that time. Hopefully the same message will also bring comfort to all of us today. Let's all prepare ourselves for the New Jerusalem to come with joyful praises, and thanksgiving hearts!

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 26

提摩太前書 1:12-17

12 我感謝那給我力量的我們主基督耶穌，因他以我有忠心，派我服侍他。 13 我從前是褻瀆神的、逼迫人的、侮慢人的，然而我還蒙了憐憫，因我是不信、不明白的時候而做的。 14 並且我主的恩是格外豐盛，使我在基督耶穌裡有信心和愛心。 15 「基督耶穌降世，為要拯救罪人。」這話是可信的，是十分可佩服的。在罪人中我是個罪魁！ 16 然而我蒙了憐憫，是因耶穌基督要在我這罪魁身上顯明他一切的忍耐，給後來信他得永生的人做榜樣。 17 但願尊貴、榮耀歸於那不能朽壞、不能看見、永世的君王——獨一的神，直到永永遠遠！阿們。

这段感恩以服侍开头，和我们常常想的有些不一样，我们通常首先要感谢的是神创造了我们，救赎我们，每天的保守看顾……。至于服侍，我们常会觉得这是对神的给予和付出。

保罗对自己的本相有著清楚的认识，越看到自己本相的败坏和不配，才越能由衷地对神发出赞美和感恩。保罗身为神如此重用的使徒，都能对他的晚辈提摩太说“我是罪人中的罪魁”，何况我们呢？神的恩典白白给了我们這樣的罪人，这个恩典也不只是要我们得救就完了，而是“格外丰盛”，繼續改变我們的生命，让原本罪人中的罪魁可以成為耶穌基督的见证。更加让我们感激的是，如此尊贵荣美的神，居然愿意使用我们这些原本败坏的罪人去侍奉，做祂的工，同享祂的荣耀，这是多么值得感谢的事。

好不好讓我們效法保羅，今天就開始為著我們目前的服侍禱告和发出真挚的感恩呢？

1 Timothy 1:12-17

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,[a] be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

In this paragraph, Paul started expressing his gratitude for the ministry God entrusted him with. Paul's gratitude is unique in that we usually give thanks to God for His creation, salvation, protection and preservation, but not so much to the ministry as we see the service as our efforts and sacrifice offered to God.

Paul has a deep understanding of who he is, and the more he recognizes his corrupted nature, the more thanks he gives to the Lord whole-heartedly. Paul, as honorable as he is, tells his junior Timothy that he is "chief of sinners", let alone us. God gives His grace to sinners like us for free, and the grace is far more than just saving us from death - the "exceedingly abundant" grace transforms our life day by day, and make it possible for us to be the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is that we, corrupted sinners to begin with, could serve the perfect and beautiful God and share His glory!

Let's all learn from Paul as our example to give heart-felt thanks to God for our current ministry!

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 25

詩篇 103:1-5

1 我的心哪，你要稱頌耶和華；凡在我裡面的，也要稱頌他的聖名！2 我的心哪，你要稱頌耶和華，不可忘記他的一切恩惠。3 他赦免你的一切罪孽，醫治你的一切疾病。4 他救贖你的命脫離死亡，以仁愛和慈悲為你的冠冕。5 他用美物使你所願的得以知足，以致你如鷹返老還童。

詩篇103篇是詩人大衛著名的感恩詩，是歷代選民與教會喜愛誦唱的詩歌；因為他不單是大衛的感恩，在這詩篇中，我們不單找到了共鳴，也多少受到了一些提醒。

詩人一再的對他自己的心說話，提醒「他」不要忘記神的恩惠。我們這個天然人，是一個善忘的活物。順境的時候，一切似乎都是我們努力的成果，我們會忘記了感恩，甚至認為不需要感恩；逆境的時候，困苦、缺乏、挫敗、寃屈抓住我們整個人，甚至產生了埋怨和不信，让我们忘记了感恩！這「善忘的心」需要被提醒和勸勉，而我們需要的恰恰是如大衛一般，渴望被神帶到一個屬天的生命和境界，跳出眼前的環境，想到祂已經為我們所成就的一切，對著自己的心說，要感恩，要感恩！

其實,這忘記了感恩，並非純粹是記憶力的問題，更是心態的問題。感恩，需要我們在生活中，花時間操練的。無論我們的環境有多難，心裏有多軟弱，起來，對自己的心說：你要稱頌耶和華，發出感恩的言語。不要等到明天，也不要等到下個感恩節，從今天，就開始學習感恩吧！

Psalm 103:1-5

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103 is a famous thanksgiving psalm of David, an all-time-favorite psalm by churches and God's children throughout ages. Not only do we resonate with David's gratitude in this psalm, but also we find valuable reminders from it.

Several times in this psalm did the David say to his own heart to bless the Lord and not forget God's grace. We as human being can all be forgetful. When things go well, we tend to give credits to our own efforts and can hardly think of giving thanks. When difficulties come, we easily become overwhelmed by frustration and self-pity, which in some cases will even make us complain and disbelieve in God. Indeed, our forgetful hearts need to be reminded and encouraged to always be grateful. By prayers let's all turn our eyes from our current situations to the spiritual reality that God has made the salvation perfect for us. Just as David did, let's tell our hearts to bless the Lord, bless the Lord!

It's not really that we "forget" being thankful, but that we are not born to be grateful naturally. Therefore we need to practise thanksgiving in our daily life. No matter how difficult our days are and how much we've suffered from our weakness, let's learn to tell our hearts to bless the Lord and pour out our gratitude to God. Don't wait till next Thanksgiving and don't wait till even tomorrow, starting from today, let's all learn to be grateful!

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 24

詩篇 116:12-18

12 我拿什麼報答耶和華向我所賜的一切厚恩？13 我要舉起救恩的杯，稱揚耶和華的名。14 我要在他眾民面前向耶和華還我的願。15 在耶和華眼中，看聖民之死極為寶貴。16 耶和華啊，我真是你的僕人；我是你的僕人，是你婢女的兒子，你已經解開我的綁索。17 我要以感謝為祭獻給你，又要求告耶和華的名。18 我要在他眾民面前，在耶和華殿的院內，在耶路撒冷當中，向耶和華還我的願。你們要讚美耶和華！

這是一篇個人感恩的詩，詩人在這裡想要竭盡所能地感謝 神 -- 拯救他脫離死亡的這個偉大的救贖恩功。所以，詩人欣然地「舉起救恩的杯」，向 神獻上感謝祭，稱頌耶和華的名。感謝 神！不僅解開了我們的綁索，而且揀選我們成為祂的僕人，可以與祂的聖工有份。想到這個寶貴的特權和地位，我們忍不住要在 神的殿中，在祂眾民面前，向祂還我們所許的願，我們還要揚聲稱謝、讚美耶和華！哈利路亞！

在歲末年初，好不好，讓我們和家人一起來到 神面前，花10-15分鐘禱告並細細思想：主耶穌基督在我們身上所成就一次又永遠的救恩，對 神你當如何表達你對祂的感激呢？

Psalm 116:12-18

12 What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people.15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds.17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.18 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,

In this poem of personal thanksgiving, the poet would like to give thanks to God with all his strength for the great salvation that redeems him from destruction. Therefore, he “takes up the cup of salvation” with joy, offers to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and bless the name of the Lord. Not only does He loose our bonds, but also chooses us as His servants that partake in His divine work. We can’t help to paying our vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people, when we think of this precious privilege and position. We also want to give thanks and praise the Lord loudly! Hallelujah!

At the turn of this year, shall we come to God with our family and spend 10-15 minutes praying and thinking carefully: how will you act as your appreciation to God for the salvation of once and for all that Jesus Christ has accomplished upon us?

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 23

詩篇 95: 1-7

1來啊，我們要向耶和華歌唱，向拯救我們的磐石歡呼！2 我們要來感謝他，用詩歌向他歡呼！3 因耶和華為大神，為大王，超乎萬神之上。4 地的深處在他手中，山的高峰也屬他。5 海洋屬他，是他造的，旱地也是他手造成的。(戒民勿干主怒致失所許之福) 6 來啊，我們要屈身敬拜，在造我們的耶和華面前跪下！7 因為他是我們的神，我們是他草場的羊，是他手下的民。唯願你們今天聽他的話：

這是一首頌讚 神的詩，詩人邀請我們一同來歌唱感謝 神（1-2節），因為祂是至大的 神，超乎萬 神之上！祂也是至大的王，是萬王之王！哈利路亞，從「地的深處」 到「山的高峰」都屬於 神，因祂統管萬有，是萬主之主！。因此在第6節，詩人再次邀請我們一同屈身敬拜，向 神獻上感謝，因為一切受造者都當向創造他們的主感恩和敬拜！

感謝 神！祂是至高的 神，卻願意降卑作我們的 神，並揀選我們成為祂的子民；感謝 神！祂願意照著自己的形像創造我們，並親自作我們的主；感謝 神！祂願意作我們的好牧人，為羊（我們）捨命。我們更要感謝 神，讓我們可以成為祂的羊、祂的民。盼望因著感恩，我們都願意來聽從祂的話，順服祂的引導，在地上為祂發光作見證，並且多結果子，使天父得榮耀！:-)

Psalm 95:1-7

1Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice.

In this song of praise, the poet invites us to sing together and give thanks to God (v 1-2). For the Lord is the great God above all gods. He is also the greatest King and King of kings! Hallelujah! All from "the deep places of the earth" to "the heights of the hills" belong to God, for He is the Lord of lords who rules over all. Therefore, the poet invites us again in verse 6 to worship and bow down, and give thanks to God. For all creations should worship and thank God the Creator!

Thanks be to God! He is God Most High, but willing to humble Himself to be our God and chooses us as His people. Thanks be to God! He is willing to create us in His own image and be our Lord Himself. Thanks be to God! He would like to be our good shepherd who gives His life for sheeps (us). We should thank God furthermore for making us His sheeps and His people. May we obey His word and guidance with thanksgiving. Shine, testify and bear much fruit for Him, and glorify our heavenly Father! :-)

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 22

路加福音 1:67-75

67 他父親撒迦利亞被聖靈充滿了，就預言說： 68 「主以色列的神是應當稱頌的！因他眷顧他的百姓，為他們施行救贖， 69 在他僕人大衛家中，為我們興起了拯救的角， 70 正如主藉著從創世以來聖先知的口所說的話， 71 拯救我們脫離仇敵和一切恨我們之人的手； 72 向我們列祖施憐憫、記念他的聖約， 73 就是他對我們祖宗亞伯拉罕所起的誓， 74 叫我們既從仇敵手中被救出來， 75 就可以終身在他面前，坦然無懼地用聖潔、公義侍奉他。

這首撒迦利亞的頌讚詩，使我們認識到 神偉大的救恩。在這裡我們看到聖靈感動撒迦利亞為 神說話，也清楚看到聖靈來就是為了要榮耀基督！感謝主！因為祂愛我們，竟然不惜為你、為我捨掉自己寶貴的性命來救贖我們。感謝 神！為我們興起「拯救的角」-- 就是我們這位大有能力的救主耶穌基督 ，祂是應當永永遠遠被稱頌的！哈利路亞！

感謝神！祂是信實的，因祂記念並履行向兒女所有的應許。這救恩不僅把我們從仇敵的手中拯救出來，也使我們得以脫離魔鬼的轄制，進而可以終身活在 神的面前，坦然無懼地用聖潔、公義事奉祂。就像使徒保羅的勸勉：「將身體獻上，當作活祭，是聖潔的，是神所喜悅的；你們如此事奉乃是理所當然的！」（羅12:1）在這感恩月裡，我們和家人一起向 神更新我們奉獻，願意隨主調度，隨主使用，好不好！？

Luke 1:67-75

67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

This song of praise by Zacharias helps us to understand the great salvation of God. We can learn from it that Zacharias speaks for God by the Spirit and apparently the Spirit comes for the purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ. Thanks be to the Lord!  He loves us so much that He lays down His precious life to save us. Thanks be to God! He has raised up "a horn of salvation" for us, -- our almighty savior Jesus Christ. Blessed be Him for evermore! Hallelujah!

Thanks be to God! He is faithful, as He remembers and fulfills His promises for His children. Not only does the salvation save us from the hands of our enemies, but also delivers us from the rule of the devil. So we can stand in front of God and serves Him boldly with holiness and righteousness all the days of our life, just as in Paul's exhortation which says "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). In the month of thanksgiving, let's renew our offering to God with our family, being willing to be used by God in any way, shall we!?

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 21

歌羅西書 3:15-17

15 又要叫基督的平安在你們心裡做主，你們也為此蒙召，歸為一體；且要存感謝的心。 16 當用各樣的智慧，把基督的道理豐豐富富地存在心裡，用詩章、頌詞、靈歌彼此教導，互相勸誡，心被恩感歌頌神。 17 無論做什麼，或說話或行事，都要奉主耶穌的名，藉著他感謝父神。(歌羅西書 3:15-17)

感謝神！賜給我們「基督的平安」，成為我們每天行事為人的準則和引導，並且使我們蒙召進入基督的身體，不僅成為一個身體，更是成為主內的一家人。在這感恩的季節裡，為著 神從歲首到年終每日的看顧，保守，和供應，我們真是要滿懷感激地來數算 神的恩典，並一同向 神獻上感謝的祭。

基督的話就是生命，我們心裡越多存記主的話，就能越多享受祂的豐富。為著 神的話，為著祂的所是，我們心被恩感，就口唱心和地「用詩章、頌詞、靈歌」來歌頌祂。感謝神！提醒我們：無論做甚麼，無論是順境或逆境，說話或行事，都要按照 神的旨意，作在 神的面前。當目前SVCA正在推動 --主日準時到教會來敬拜 神，親愛的弟兄姐妹，你是不是和我們一樣已經準備好了，要一起來積極響應這個行動來回應 神的愛！？:-)

Colossians 3:15-17

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

Thanks be to God! He gives us "the peace of God", which is the rule and guidance of our daily life, calling us into Christ's body. We are not only one body, but also one family in Christ. In this season of thanksgiving, we should gratefully number God's graces and offer to Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, for the daily preservation, protection, and provision of God throughout the whole year.

The word of Christ is life. If we remember more word of Christ in our heart, we would enjoy more of His riches. With grace in our heart, we sing and make melody in heart to the Lord with "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs". Thanks be to God! Be reminded: whatever we do in word or deed, whether in adversity or in prosperity, do all in God's will, and in front of God. At present, SVCA is promoting getting on time for Sunday worship. Dear brothers and sisters, are you ready as we are to respond to this movement as a response to God's love!? :-)

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 20

詩篇 126

1 當耶和華將那些被擄的帶回錫安的時候，我們好像做夢的人。2 我們滿口喜笑、滿舌歡呼的時候，外邦中就有人說：「耶和華為他們行了大事！」3 耶和華果然為我們行了大事，我們就歡喜。4 耶和華啊，求你使我們被擄的人歸回，好像南地的河水復流。5 流淚撒種的，必歡呼收割。6 那帶種流淚出去的，必要歡歡樂樂地帶禾捆回來。

本詩描述 神百姓被擄歸回的喜樂，他們經過漫長的七十年，還能從巴比倫被釋放，回到錫安故土， 這對神兒女而言，是件多麼奇妙的大事，他們是何等的歡喜快樂，簡直像做夢一樣！想想，我們個人得救的故事，何嘗不是個神蹟，因著主耶穌的奇恩妙愛，使我們能從世界被擄之中，得到拯救，得到自由，我們心中真是充滿了喜樂！充滿了感恩！

當SVCA買會所時，神帶領我們過五關、斬六將，最終入駐Bowers這塊地，外邦人就看到：「耶和華果然為我們行了大事！」 願 神不斷施展大能，讓人們可以從我們教會繼續看到 神的奇妙作為。感謝主！使用我們在這裡與祂一同「流淚撒種」，一同「歡呼收割」。讓我們憑信心繼續為我們當中的福音朋友，及我們尚未信主的家人禱告，求 神的救恩臨到萬民！親愛的弟兄姐妹，你相不相信，神蹟天天都在發生！？:-)

Psalm 126

126 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. 4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South. 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

This psalm describes the joy of God's people as they returned from captivity. It is so amazing that after a long period of seventy years, they could still be delivered from Babylon and came back to Zion their hometown. How great and amazing it is for God's children! They are so joyful like in a dream! Well, isn't the salvation story of each of us also a miracle?! Because of the amazing grace and extraordinary love of Jesus Christ, we are saved and freed from the captivity of the world. Our hearts are really full of joy and gratitude!

During SVCA purchased the  building, God led us to overcome all the difficulties in the way and finally to settle down in Bowers. The gentile saw that "The Lord has really done great things for us". May God's great power work unceasingly so that others may continue to discern God's incredible works from our church. Thanks be to the Lord! He uses us here to "sow in tears" and "reap in joy" with Him. Let us continue to pray in faith for our gospel friends and non-believer families. May God's salvation reach all people! Dear brothers and sisters, do you believe that miracle is happening everyday?! :-)

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 19

以賽亞書 32:15-18

15 等到聖靈從上澆灌我們，曠野就變為肥田，肥田看如樹林。16 那時，公平要居在曠野，公義要居在肥田。 17 公義的果效必是平安，公義的效驗必是平穩，直到永遠。 18 我的百姓必住在平安的居所，安穩的住處，平靜的安歇所。

在舊約時代，聖靈只降臨在某些特定的人身上，如先知、君王，等。感謝 神！在現今的時代，聖靈可以降臨在你、我，以及每個聖徒的身上，使神家和神的兒女都蒙福。先知以賽亞在這裡宣告：聖靈從上澆灌，便使「曠野變為肥田，肥田看如樹林」。同時，真是太感謝 神了！藉著聖靈的工作，帶下了公義、公平，進而使我們得以「住在平安的居所，安穩的住處，平靜的安歇所」。

今年教會的主題是：「主的靈在哪裡，那裡就得以自由」，讓我們把握這剩餘的一個多月，迫切地呼求 神 -- 讓聖靈繼續從上澆灌，充滿我們；充滿祂的聖殿；充滿全地；進而充滿整個世代。感謝 神！祂不僅願意，祂也能夠在一切荒涼的局面，帶下屬靈的大復興。哈利路亞！

Isaiah 32:15-18

15 Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. 16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17 The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. 18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

In the age of Old Testament, the Spirit only descended on certain people like prophets, kings, etc. Thanks be to God! Today, the Spirit can come upon you, me, and every saint, so that God's family and God's children are all blessed. The prophet Isaiah proclaims here: the Spirit is poured from on high, and "the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest". Thank God so very much! Through the work of the Spirit, there comes justice and righteousness, and we are brought to "dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places".

The theme of our church this year is "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty". Let us make full use of the remaining over one months and pray eagerly to God -- may the Spirit be poured continuously from on high, fill in His people; fill in His temple; and eventually fill in the whole world. Thanks be to God! He is not only willing, but also able to bring forth great spiritual revival even when everything is desolate. Hallelujah!

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 18

哥林多前書 7:22-24

22 因為做奴僕蒙召於主的，就是主所釋放的人；做自由之人蒙召的，就是基督的奴僕。 23 你們是重價買來的，不要做人的奴僕。 24 弟兄們，你們各人蒙召的時候是什麼身份，仍要在神面前守住這身份。

感謝主耶穌，已經把我們從埃及為奴之家拯救出來；從撒但、律法、罪惡的權勢中釋放出來，使我們得著了在 「基督」裡的自由。感謝主，用自己寶血的 「重價」買贖了我們，歸給祂。所以得救以後，我們的身份就是主的奴僕。讓我們一生存著虔誠、敬畏的心，為主而活。

求主保守我們的心，不受世界的吸引或捆綁，因為我們在主裡已經得著了真自由。哈利路亞！讓我們今天一早，就和我們的家人及弟兄姐妹，一起為著主的救恩、主的釋放，把祂當得的感謝、愛戴、尊崇都歸給祂！

1 Corinthians 7:22-24

22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Thanks be to the Lord Jesus! He has saved us out of Egypt, the land of slavery; delivered us from the domination of Satan, Law and Sin, giving us the freedom in "Christ". Thanks be to the Lord! He has bought us for Him with the price of His blood. Therefore, we are slaves of the Lord after He saves us. Let us all live for the Lord with a devout and fearing heart.

May the Lord protect our heart from temptation or bondage of the world, for we have obtained the true freedom in the Lord. Hallelujah! In this morning, let us give thanks, respect and exaltation due His name to the Lord, with our family, brothers and sisters, for His salvation and deliverance.

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 17

約翰福音 8:31-36

31 耶穌對信他的猶太人說：「你們若常常遵守我的道，就真是我的門徒， 32 你們必曉得真理，真理必叫你們得以自由。」 33 他們回答說：「我們是亞伯拉罕的後裔，從來沒有做過誰的奴僕，你怎麼說『你們必得以自由』呢？」 34 耶穌回答說：「我實實在在地告訴你們：所有犯罪的就是罪的奴僕。 35 奴僕不能永遠住在家裡，兒子是永遠住在家裡。 36 所以天父的兒子若叫你們自由，你們就真自由了。

「真理必叫你們得以自由」(32節b)，感謝 神的應許和啟示，不僅使我們明白祂的真理，而且使我們可以在「基督」裡得著自由。 感謝 神！只有祂是救主，也只有祂能幫助我們從各樣的捆綁中，得著完全的釋放，完全的自由，使我們不再受律法或罪惡的轄制。

「天父的兒子若叫你們自由」(36節a)，感謝 神！「天父兒子」就是「真理」，也就是叫我們得以自由的「真理」。因祂為我們完成了救贖，成全了律法的要求，才能使我們在「基督」裡，不再受律法的捆綁；因祂復活的生命已勝過罪，使我們在「基督」裡，不再受罪的捆綁。

感謝主！使我們明白了「真理」，經歷祂的同在，享受在「基督」裡的「真自由」，得著屬靈的實際。哈利路亞！天父的兒子若叫我們自由，我們就真自由了!

John 8:31-36

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever,but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

“The truth will set you free” (v. 32b). Thanks to God for His promise and revelation, which make us not only understand His truth, but also get freedom in Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Lord! He is the One and the only Savior. Except for Him, no one can deliver us from all the bondages. He sets us free completely so that we will no longer be ruled over by law or sin.

“The Son sets you free” (v. 36a). Thanks to God! The Son is the Truth, who sets us free. He has completed the redemption and accomplished the requirement of the law, so that in Christ we are no longer ruled over by law. He has overcome sin through His resurrection, so that we are no longer bounded by sin.  

Thanks to the Lord! He makes us understand the Truth, experience His presence, enjoy the real freedom in Christ, and obtain the spiritual reality. Hallelujah! If the Son sets us free, we will be free indeed.

Month of Thanksgiving - Day 16

代上 16:1,7-13, 34

1 眾人將　神的約櫃請進去，安放在大衛所搭的帳幕裡，就在　神面前獻燔祭和平安祭。

7 那日，大衛初次藉亞薩和他的弟兄，以詩歌稱頌耶和華，說：

8 “你們要稱謝耶和華，求告他的名，在萬民中傳揚他的作為。

9 要向他唱詩、歌頌，談論他一切奇妙的作為。

10 要以他的聖名誇耀：尋求耶和華的人，心中應當歡喜。

11 要尋求耶和華與他的能力，時常尋求他的面。

12 他僕人以色列的後裔，他所揀選雅各的子孫哪！你們要記念他奇妙的作為和他的奇事，並他口中的判語。

13 見上節

34 應當稱謝耶和華，因他本為善，他的慈愛永遠長存。

神的約櫃並不像電影裡演的那樣，是一個一點都不神奇、而且可以被任何人使用的神能力的管道（就像非利士人認為的那樣）。其實，約櫃真實地體現了 神對祂選民的信實，這信實就表現在 神對選民的揀選、救贖、和屬靈的建造上。約櫃的頂蓋被稱作“施恩座”，在那裡，神向人們顯示祂是一位又真又活、有位格、並且和祂的兒女有活潑的關係的 神。

今天經文的主題是 神的約櫃歸回耶路撒冷。神的聖名和作為是如此奇妙，以至於祂的百姓不得不唱出對祂的讚美，不得不向眾人宣揚祂的奇妙，以及祂如何救贖、釋放、和恢復祂的兒女。想要抑制這樣的感謝是不可能的事，就好像你試著用手去攔住海浪不讓它拍打海岸一樣。這樣的感謝不可能被減弱、被壓制、或被僅限於私下。對 神的所是及作為的親近的、個人的認識必然會使我們發出對 神的感恩。

在 神所有的作為中，最為奇妙的一件作為就是祂救贖我們這些受造之物，所以我們可以和 神同住，並且為 神而活。請在耶穌基督的十字架和復活的亮光中再讀一遍第8-13節。在基督裡，神不僅住在我們中間統治我們，而且祂還住在我們的裡面。讓我們一起歌唱 神的榮耀！讓我們為著 神兒子的緣故感恩地生活，因為 神的兒子將神的屬性以及祂美好的作為完全地表現出來了！讓我們將這些告訴我們身邊的每一個人，使他們也可以轉向榮耀的救主！

在歷代志上15章29節中記錄了一個強烈的對比，一方面是大衛為迎接約櫃進城在街上踴躍地跳舞，另一方面是大衛的妻子、掃羅的女兒米甲從窗戶裡觀看，因她自己心硬就輕看大衛熱情的感恩。讓我們加入大衛的行列，因著神的所是和祂的作為我們就滿心歡喜；因著被聖靈充滿我們就在自由中毫無保留地向 神獻上我們的感謝。

讓感謝的浪潮在我們中間湧流！讓我們同聲唱：“應當稱謝耶和華，因他本為善，他的慈愛永遠長存”

Unlike depictions in movies, the ark of the covenant was not magic which could be used by anyone to channel God’s power (as the Philistines found out)! Rather it visually displayed the spiritual reality of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people in electing, rescuing, and establishing them. The lid itself was known as the Mercy Seat - the very throne of God - where God showed He was in a real, personal, and living relationship with His children.

Today’s verses center around the great homecoming of the ark of God to Jerusalem. God’s holy name and wondrous works are so amazing that His people are drawn to sing out His praises and express to others just how wonderfully he has worked salvation, deliverance, and restoration for His children. Holding back such thanks is impossible - like trying to stop an ocean wave from breaking onto the shore with your hand. It can’t be muted, only private or restrained. Intimate, personal knowledge of who God is and what He has done produces thanksgiving which must break forth.

There is nothing more wondrous that God has worked than rescuing His creation so that we might live with and for our Lord. Read verses 8-13 again in light of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christ, God not only reigns and dwells among us but inside and through us. May we sing forth His glory then with thankful lives for the Son that fully display His character and good works. May we tell everyone so that they too will turn to glorify the Savior.

In 15:29 there is a stark contrast between King David dancing and celebrating in the streets as the ark comes to rest inside the tent and Michal, looking down from a window, who with a hardened heart is looking down her nose at the enthusiastic thanksgiving. Let us join with David, so overflowing with joy for exactly who God is and what He has done and so filled by the Spirit that in true freedom we hold nothing back in our thanksgiving.

Let the wave of thanks break forth as together we sing Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.